FutureEO benefits series – Measuring Earth from space with a cutting-edge digital altimeter • Oct 2025

The "Digital Altimeter Integrated Circuit Design" activity was funded through the FutureEO programme. The R&D project was led by Thales Alenia Space (TAS) and represented a significant step further in strengthening European leadership in altimeter design and technology advancements.

The project successfully increased the technology readiness level (TRL) from 3 to 5, maturing the concept for future missions and leading to the development of a new generation of altimeter.

The newly developed technology is characterized by an integrated circuit, consisting of a high-performance digital solution that has the potential for both climate monitoring and future EO missions.

The operational deployment of the Digital Altimeter as part of the ESA Copernicus Programme, specifically for the Sentinel-3 NGT satellite, as well as the technology's ability to provide timely and accurate altimetry data on a global scale has proved to be crucial for supporting climate monitoring efforts.

Additionally, such technology has shown a strong potential for commercialisation. The market is expected to triple in value by 2037, with business applications such as altitude control, satellite reconnaissance and data gathering.

Finally, the project helped boost a robust and skilled talent pipeline, providing TAS team members with hands-on experience in software development and project management, whilst working alongside experienced professionals.

Launched over 25 years ago, the FutureEO programme is at the core of the ESA Earth Observation activities. It pushes boundaries of Earth observation, delivering excellence in science, technology innovation, preparing for new operational missions and supporting scientists, policymakers, and society with the knowledge needed to protect our planet’s future in the domain of environment, climate change and sustainability.

From pioneering Earth Explorer missions to agile Scout satellites and AI-powered data solutions, FutureEO is ESA’s commitment to scientific excellence, societal resilience, and global cooperation.

FutureEO is structured around three defining pillars that provide a streamlined and centralised framework for ESA’s Earth Observation goals. They work together to ensure there is a smooth flow of information between projects, connecting innovative ideas with scientific objectives to inform and guide the development of missions from concept through to design and realisation.

Links to the full report & infographics from the library